Griots and Bards, a vibrant social community, hosted its monthly gathering at RAP Joint in Ikoyi, sparking a profound conversation on heritage and identity on Thursday, July 31.
Themed “Breaking Free: Rewriting Family Stories and Redefining Our Path,” the event brought together upwardly mobile Nigerians to discuss the powerful influence of names and colonial history on their personal narratives.
Adebola REZAfolabi, the convener of Griots and Bards, opened the discussion by highlighting the dignity inherent in names. “There is a dignity around the origin of our names that we need to start giving attention to,” he stated. “For example, I am a prince, and that gives me a sense of identity and importance. Names carry stories with them, and we must explore those stories.”
This sentiment resonated with many attendees, who shared diverse perspectives. Lawyer and writer Nenkangmun questioned the lasting impact of colonialism, asking, “I often wonder whether the English man gave me this English language I speak to take what belongs to my people.” Similarly, network engineer Hadassah shared her personal journey of reconciling with her English name. “For a while, it made me sad that I didn’t have any connection with my roots,” she said. “But now I’m getting to a point where I’m comfortable with my English name. It shows how colonial influences on our naming culture are still lingering.”
The discussion also delved into the motivational power of names. Web developer Sijuade noted, “My name reminds me of royalty. Even when things get tough, I tell myself, ‘Asijuade ni e,’ which means you are a frontier of the crown.” Lawyer Tawakalt echoed this, finding strength in her name’s meaning, “Trust in God,” which she feels serves as a guide in her life.
However, the conversation wasn’t limited to positive associations. Chef Enoch Ngemekwai shared the challenge of his surname, which means “I will take revenge.” “When someone offends me, I feel the urge to get revenge,” he admitted. “But this is a trait I am trying to resist; I don’t want it to define me.” Another participant, Amaka, expressed her worry about being seen as “nice,” a trait she associates with vulnerability due to her parents’ experiences.
The issue of tribalism and belonging also surfaced. IT engineer Samuel Olayemi shared a poignant experience of not being fully accepted in his community despite his name. “Could you imagine that I am not considered Yoruba even though my name is Samuel Idowu Olayemi?” he shared, highlighting the lasting consequences of ethnic grouping.
Since its inception in 2017, Griots and Bards has fostered a community where “conversation serves as the heartbeat of culture.” It provides a space for Nigerians to unwind, share stories, and build connections, nurturing personal, professional, and creative growth. “By connecting, we build a model of the society we want,” REZAfolabi stated. Through its unique blend of art, dialogue, and cultural exploration, Griots and Bards continues to shape healthier societal narratives, one conversation at a time.
